In a dramatic turn of events on “Wheel of Fortune,” one contestant came agonizingly close to driving home a brand-new car, but some viewers are crying foul, suggesting an unfair puzzle may have cost her the prize.
Laryn Nelson, an elementary school principal hailing from Atlanta, brought her spirited energy to Wednesday’s episode right from the start. She displayed vocal support for fellow contestants and was generally expressive toward the puzzle board. At one point, after losing her turn due to a missed letter at the conclusion of a significant puzzle, she pounded her podium and emitted a frustrated groan.
Host Pat Sajak, wearing a smile, humorously remarked, “This is a very valuable set you’re pounding on.”
Later, after another contestant solved that particular puzzle, Nelson continued to discuss it while Sajak attempted to maintain the show’s pace. Sajak playfully interrupted her, saying, “I’m talking now, Laryn, it’s my turn. You’re out of control. You’re beating our set, you’re yelling at the wheel.”
Nelson replied, “I’m enjoying myself.”
Following a commercial break, Sajak playfully informed the audience that he had “threatened to send Laryn to the principal’s office, but she’s a principal.” The remark elicited laughter from the audience.
As the show progressed, Nelson’s enthusiasm translated into a substantial $24,250 in winnings, earning her a shot at the bonus round. Sajak even humorously referred to her as “the woman of the half-hour.”
In the bonus round, Nelson chose the category “What are you doing?” After applying the free letters and her selected choices, she managed to correctly identify the “goals” part of the puzzle. However, she struggled with the first word and ultimately couldn’t decipher it: “Obtaining my goals.”
Clearly frustrated, she exclaimed, “Oh my goodness. Alright. Alright. That’s okay. I’m gonna do that one day though, obtaining my goals.” Her reaction prompted Sajak to jest, “There’s really no need for a host on the show. Just let them do it.”
However, it seems that many viewers on social media were not only fans of Nelson’s appearance but also believed that her bonus round puzzle was unfairly challenging. They argued that “obtaining my goals” is not a commonly used expression.
To make matters more bittersweet, Sajak then revealed that the prize Nelson had missed out on was a brand-new Volkswagen car. Her reaction was so jubilant that it startled Sajak, causing him to lose hold of his note card.
Nevertheless, Nelson did not leave empty-handed. She departed with a total of $24,250 in winnings and offered an apology to Sajak for her exuberant outburst.
“It’s all right, I’ll be fine,” Sajak reassured her.
“Wheel of Fortune” recently kicked off its 41st season, which is slated to be Pat Sajak’s final season as the host.
